Super Bowl Participants to Troops: 'You're the Real Heroes'

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.

DoD News, Defense Media Activity

GLENDALE, Ariz., Jan. 27, 2015 - With the National Football
League's all-star game in the rear-view mirror, anticipation for the
league's championship -- the final pro football game of the year --
begins.

Kam
Chancellor, a defensive back for the National Football League’s
defending champion Seattle Seahawks, talks to members of the media
during Super Bowl Week in Glendale, Ariz., Jan. 26, 2015. Chancellor
gave a shoutout to U.S. troops serving abroad who will be watching the
NFL’s championship game. DoD photo by Army Sgt. 1st Class Tyrone C.
Marshall Jr.(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, the teams
preparing to square off Feb. 1 in Super Bowl XLIX, shared their
appreciation for U.S. service members serving overseas during media
availabilities here yesterday.

Pete Carroll, head coach of the defending champion Seahawks, assured troops the team understands the sacrifice they are making.

“We want to make sure that you understand that the Seahawks know the
work that you’re doing,” he said. “We just want to be more like you guys
-- we herald the work that you do and the attitude that you bring. I
know that the Super Bowl is really exciting to watch. It’s extremely
exciting for us too, but if we could be a little bit more like you guys,
we have a chance to win this thing.”

Carroll promised his team’s
best effort. “So enjoy the heck out of it, and we’ll be thinking about
you, and I hope you guys really enjoy the game,” he said.

Players Express Appreciation

Several players from both Super Bowl teams also joined in expressing their appreciation.

Kam Chancellor, a strong safety for the defending champs, offered not
only his thanks, but also the gratitude of the team’s fans, who have a
moniker that reflects their contribution to the efforts of the 11
Seahawks who are on the field at any given time.

“All the love from the Seahawks, [and] from the [12th man],” he said. “Kam Chancellor right here, man, wishing you the best.”

K.J. Wright, a Seahawks linebacker, said the team plans to “come out
there Sunday and put on a good performance for you guys. Stay safe out
there.”

His teammate, defensive end Cliff Avril, offered a “big”
shoutout on behalf of the team and said the Seahawks hope to put on a
show for the troops during the Super Bowl in appreciation of everything
they do.

Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty also said his
team hopes to put on a good show and thanked service members for
everything they do. Matthew Slater, a wide receiver and special teams
player for the American Football Conference champions, shared his
gratitude for being able to play football for a living.

“Just
want to give you guys a big hello,” he said. “And [we] appreciate all
that you do for us, allowing us the freedom to play this great game of
football that we love so much. You guys are the real heroes; we tip our
hats to you. God bless you guys, and stay safe over there.”

Vince Wilfork, a Patriots defensive tackle, said U.S. troops are the “true patriots.”

“Thank you for everything you guys do for us,” he said. “You guys are
the true patriots. You are everything we want [to be], so thank you for
all the service you guys provide for us.”